
Class 



LU^asi 



Author 



Title 



Imprint 



Book a 




1841 



16—00209^1 OPO 



AN 

INAUGURAL ADDRESS 

Delivei^d before the Board of Trustees 

OF THE 
AT THE 

Frst annual coxnmencementofthat^Institution, 

August 25th, 1841, 

BY THE 

Rev. JONATHAN A. WOODRUFF, A. M. 

^p:.j^^r Qhancellor of the R; I, T;\ 

inierica can never perpetuate her Hberties but by the universal diffu- 
sion of knowledge among her sons. 



•000- 



Jf^ published by order of the BOARD, 

.If DAVID B. LAMBERSON, Clerk. 



00- 



D. CRIST PRINTER, 

Upper Mississippian Office. 

ROCK-ISLAND, ILL. 

1841. 



MEMBERS OF THE BOARD. 



Capt* J. p. Harvey, Pres't; 
Col. John Buitord, 
Rev; J. A. Woodruff, Chan. 
Rev. Jarius Willcox, 
Cha^rles Oakly, Esq. 

Judge Wilcox, 

C. A. Hempstead, Esq. 
Joshua HarpeRj Esq. 
Francis Wells. 
Lxjcius Wells, Esq. 
Willard Hammond, 
RuFus Harvey, Esq. 
Alonzo p. Clapp, 
Henry McNeal, 
Marcus Osburn, 
S. W. Twining, 






Hampton. 
Rock Island. 

Geneseo. 
Treraont. 
Pekin. 
^^Galena 
TMorristown. 
Le Grange. 
Hampton. 

do. 

do^ 

dor% 

^ do. ;v, 

Geneseo. 
Hampton. 



\ 



l 






AN 



INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 



—00 — 



To recount the gracious dealings of God with a Christian people, ih 
[a National capacity, is peculiarly profitabl-e. Complacency in the divine 
government is begotten thereby. As the fruit of this exercise, the soul 
experiences contentment, happiness, and joy. This fortifies us for our 
trials and diminishes them in our esteem. It gives a hearty and health- 
|ful relish to our blessings, and nerves us to the labor that is necessary 
for their perpetuity. 

It were ungrateful, indeed, for a people chosen of God, as we are, to 
bp the object of his special regard, to pass by unnoticed, and unacKnowl- 
edged, the distinguished nature of our blessings. By our gratefully ac- 
knowledging the mercies we enjoy, God as our father, is furnished with 
a natural reason for continuing to us, his offsprings his special favour* 
It is universally acknowledg^ed, that we are a people distinguished by 
.he superiority of our prviileges, to those of any other nation. The 
'uitsof our agriculture, our manufactures, and commerce, prove that 
hve hold a position on the globe second in importance to no other coun- 
try. Both our soil, and our climate, are rich in their variety. In addi- 
tion to the Ocean which contributes its bounty to every land, the superi- 
ority of our own commercial advantages stands demonstrated in our no- 
ble rivf^rs and majestic lakes. But the peculiarity of our geographical 
and commercial advantages, consists not in the fact, that they exist as 
€rur possession; but in the manner in which they are possessed; and the 
manner in which they are imjoroved. They might be possessed under 
unequal laws. With all these gifts of nature; tyranny, despotism, might 
cripple all the energies, and paralize every effort of the industrious and 
philanthropic. The empire might be held b3^ vice, and ignorance, 
which would at once blot out every thing that is held dear and sacred 
by every American heart. The secret ot our national distinction, whether 
that distinction be intellectual, manual, or commercial, is found in the 
flict that we are free. American liberty, has unshackled the human 
intellect, and given loose reins to the powers of useful invention. The- 



4 INAUGURAL 

world has been blessed, and many of the sons of America have been ar- 
rayed as the brightest orbs of the intellectual firmament. 

If the United States of America, can boast of any soundness in 
their national policy, they owe that soundness to liberty. Have we 
moral, and political, and physical, and religious courage? It is the off- 
spring of freedom. Are our institutions civil, literary, and rehgious, 
magnanimous and permanent in their character? It is because they 
are based upon the only natural foundation of human happiness and 
human greatness — liberty. 

Here under the guardianship of Liberty, every capacity for high a- 
ehievmeut has full scope for exercise. The sweetest ingredient in every 
American luxury is liberty. It renders our toils a pleasure, our burdens 
a valuable appendac-e, and our joys extatic. Language seems too weak 
to depict the excellence of this fabric of our nation. And yet it is true 
that we are a free, and independent people. '- Happy is that people that 
is in such a case." 

But by what means have we come in possession of a treasure so inval- 
Tiable? It is not to the kings of the earth that we owe anything, except 
it be to their oppression which extorted the rebellion of our ancestors. 
There is no tribute of thanksgiving due to Papal dominion, nor to Papal 
benevolence. Neither ignorance, vice, nor infidelity, have had a voice 
in the bequest of freedom to the sons and daughters of North America. 
They were Protestant and Puritan principles that gave birth to oui 
peculiar blessings. It was protestant and puritan self-denial, and self 
sacrifice that watched over and defended the cradle of our freedom. It 
was protestant toil and puritan blood, that bequeathed to us as the richest 
inheritance, American liberty and Americcin independence. They 
were our own fathers, who, possessed of the spirit of their master, counted 
not their hves dear unto them, that they might leave to ns their sons a 
possession too rich to be compared with the material treasures of earth. 
Yes, read the memoirs of our sires, count their tears; enumerate their 
groans, gather up their blood, and their bones, and preserve them as 
consecrated proofs, that protestants and puritans were the instru- 
ments that God chose to espouse, and maintain the holy cause of liberty. 
13y them the battles have been fought, the victory won, and the eastern 
portions of our confederacy have been long enjoying the result. We 
rejoice that we, who have the honor of being pioneers in the settlement 
of the '^ distant west," have been nurtured amid such blessings. But we 
have a generation rising after us, who need a similar culture. Soon 
nothing will be seen of us, except the grave-stone which marks the place 



ADDRESS. . 5 

of our repose; and the destiaies of our land wjU be committed to our 
sons. This thought becomes of incalculable magnitude, when we con- 
sider the position we occupy. — In the heart of North America, yet ac- 
cessable by water communication, from every part of the globe,— Located 
so as to derive incalculable advantages from small internal improvments* 
— The natural emporium of a vast extent of country whose lertility is 
unparallelled, over which nature has drawn her finest pencil,— and 
whose geology developes the most abundant ores. 

The Rock island country is worthy to be the theme of the poet, and 
and the object of American regard. When nature has spoken so loudly 
in our favor, and done so much in our behalf, the establishment of a seat 
of science in our midst of an exalted character, is not a chimerical scheme. 
Our location, and our name, are both deservedly popular. That the 
beginning of such an institution, is now imperiously demandedj no one 
can deny. Much patient self denial and toil, are requisite to its accom- 
plishment. But the work is begun. The Rock Island University has a 
name among the chartered institutions of our land; and in process of 
time she is destined, I doubt not, to be the Alma Mater of many a bril- 
liant and highly educated man. But we may be asked, what are the 
grounds of our expectation of success in so great an enterprise? We 
reply, it is so desirable. Desirable in itself, and desirable to the country. 
It can also bring to its aid. such arguments, as shall secure contributioa 
from the east, to accelerate its operations. It is desirable in itself, because 
the perpetuity of American liberty, is dependant upon the kind of lite- 
rature which is cultivbtted, Our freedom had its origin in untrammeled 
intellect. Independence of thought and virtue, founded upon the evi- 
dent principles of equity, were the honor of our revolutionary sires.— 
These principles presided in their councils, and controlled all their de- 
^.cisions. Independence, virtue, resolution, ajad courage, made them 
protestants : — And their zfeal for protestant Christianity, vivified their 
souls, and strung every nerve in their constitution; moral and physical, 
for the high achievment of American freedom, With the same stera 
integrit):^ — the same indepejidence of thought — the same active fortitude, 
must the succeeding generations be thoroughly imbued; would America 
preserve inviolate her inheritence. The principles that must prevail are 
protestant; and these are wholly incompatible with ignorance. They are 
equally incompatible with the doctrine of inevitable faUibility of individ- 
ual investigation. Search and decide for yourselves] each, and all. is iil 
lesson which should be taught with unremitted exertions in the length 
■and breath, of the land where freedom reigns. It mav indeed be dansfe^* 



6 • INAUGURAL 

rous to Monarchy, Oligarchy, Despotism, and Popery. Bat rest assured, 
that freedom reigns only where men think for themselves, and 
this can be secured only by the extensive cuhivation of the intellect, 
unaccompanied by the sentiment that, with the Bible in the hand, man is 
unavoidably fallible, unless the church of Rome be allowed to be its ex- 
positer. Reho^ious freedom must permit the Bible to be its own com- 
mentator.— And civil freedom, must permit the people to i//terj)ret the 
constitution. Did I wish to blot out effectually, the divine form of lib- 
erty from our national escutcheon, I would imbue our sons and daugh- 
ters with the sentiment that they were incompetent totally, to the work 
of investigation, and interpretation. And that they must submit to some 
infallible umpire of divine appointment. And I lock upon every attempt 
to the introduction of principles like these as a dangerous attack upon 
our liberties. Not by an open enemy, though aided by the perfection 
of military prowess, can their overthrow be easily|effected. Open hos- 
tility is idle. Secret design, and that aimed at the vital organs, not directly 
but indirectly^ alone can produce a result so disasterous. If we have 
any thing to dread from our foes, it is their successful application of 
"mental artilery, upon our moral and religious fortifications. It will not 
be by an effort to enlighten, but to hasten the reign of ignorance and 
religious superstition. It will be by an effort to enslave the conscience, 
and make men fear to exercise their independence. And the onset 
must be made upon the rising generation. Percell, the Catholic Bishop 
of Cincinnati, shows clearly that he understands the business, in his re- 
port to the Pope; in which he declares that the Catholics must fail in 
their attempts to establish their religion, it the system of extended and 
thorough education shall continue in the United States. This will sug- 
gest to every lover of American institutions, the course that must be 
pursued, would we perpetuate them. The means of intellectual culture, 
must be abundantly supplied, and parents must subject themselves to 
hardships and privations to educate their sons and daughters. We 
must be an intellectual nation, would we be a free nation. And we are 
destined to remain a free nation, as long as knowledge is universally 
extended, accompanied by the deep rooted sentiment, that independence 
is man's natural right. This mental culture, (and I mean that of a 
high order,) let me say, rnnst be the great desideratum, in every corner 
of our llepublic. Surely then in this Rock Island country. What loca- 
tion in nature, is more admirably adapted to classic pursuits than the 
banks of the Mississippi in theR. Island countr5^^ Were we addressing 
any l:iut the inhabitants of this very country, we would attempt a des^ 



ADDRESS. 7 

cription, giving full reins to the enthusiasm which our scenery and 
associations naturally beget. But the beholding with your own eyes is 
sufficient. One consideration which leady the friends of the Rock Island 
University to expect the ultimate consummation of their hopes, is, that 
this is a point of natural concentration, from both sides of the Mississippi. 
This gives us claims, paramount to any other proposed location for a 
similar institution in all this region. To convince an entire stranger of 
the truth of this position, it is only necessary to spread the map of the 
Western states before him, place his finger upon Buffalo, and carry it in 
a line directly west through the head of Lake Erie, and the foot of Michi- 
gan, to Fort Armstrong on Rock-Island; then point at our rivers, and 
show what a httle internal improvement, will do for our inland naviga- 
tion. 

There is one feature in the moral aspect of things, which seems 
to indicate, that this region should receive special notice, in respect to 
the culture of that science which is pecuHarly adapted to the genius of 
American institutions. I allude to the fact, that papacy as with prophetic 
eye, has discovered the future importance of our position, and has com- 
menced her operations within oar immediate sight. Behold yonder edi- 
nee on the opposite side of the river ! It may excite no alarm in our 
bosom, but it is full of meaning, and furnishes a sufficient admonition 
that it is our duty to fortify the minds of our youth with that education 
which is consonant with American freedom. What then is that culture 
which sound experience and the nature of our civil constitution pre- 
scribe as that with which our sons and daughters shall be furnished? — 
The one who enters upon the work of making this prescription finds 
his task to be one of no small difficulty. It requires the skill of the Mar- 
iner between Scylla and Charibdis. To avoid on the one hand, the aw^ 
fill vortex of menial subordination, which in the dark ages engulphed 
the whole eastern world; and on the other, to pass in safety the rocks of 
anarchy, and insubordination which, send a thrill of horror through 
every vein at the very mention of the French Revolution, requires a 
saofacity, almost superhuman. 

Bat we come not to this task unaided. The wisdom of our sires has 
spoken, and the experience of their sons has tested their soundness. 
They incorporated in their system, strict subordination to the established 
authorities; whether parental, scholastic, ecclesiastical or civil. But 
as it vv^as the abuse of this principle that locked up all the energies of 
the nations, and made the world one vast spectacle of papal oppression, 
,and pagan superstition^ through a series of ages; tliey taught their sons 



^ 



8 INAUGURAL 

to' put that authority to the test, as to its wholesome tendency, and to sub- 
mit to It, only when they found it to be such. — To rid themselves by 
protestation, of all ecclesiastical tyranny; — and of all civil misrule, by the 
exercise of of their suffrage. 

To render them competent to the task, they established a system of 
education that should acquaint them with the ivorld^ not only its history, 
but Its men, — of ancient, as well as modern date. Ac^ordingly a» 
though they would almost introduce them into the immediate society of 
the ancient dead, they prescribed the languages as a science best calcu- 
lated to secure an extensive knowledge oimen and language. In vain 
have a few of their foolish sons attempted to throw into disuse this wis- 
dom of their worthy ancestors. The out-law system of education is 
already beginning to receive its check, from the good sense of American 
literature. 

Again, that they might understand the true principles of suhordina* 
Hon, our progenitors deemed it necessary to acquaint their posterity, 
with the true nature of sovereignty^ and whence it originated. Accord- 
ingly, they propose to introduce them, in their education, to an acquain- 
tance with nature's God, by a systematic study of nature's loorks, — 
Botony, Astronomy^ Philosophy, Chemistry, Geology, Zoology, and 
Anthropology. The investigation of these sciences, rivets in the mind, 
the truth that there is no rightful Sovereign but the Creator. That all 
other ^' governments derive their just powers from the consent of the 
governed." Thus are they prepared to submit to,wholesome authority, 
Auci tp repel all invasions; especially those made by usurpation. 

Again, that they might be firm to their purpose and principles, when 
these were once established, upon a tried basis, they incorporated in their 
system of education, the immutable, the eternal truths of Mathematics, — 
directifig their attention through this medium, to the immutability and 
eternity of God, the great Founder of all science. At the same time 
teaching them to investigate patiently, abstruse questions — and arrive at 
fixed and certain conclusions. That there should be no deficit in the 
ability to do all this, the human mind was made the subject of investi- 
gation, in the form of a science; — with the powers, the affections, and 
the emotions, all accurately defined and arranged; — their laws investiga- 
ted, and exhibited in such a manner, that each one may be able to esti- 
piate himself, and improve his weaknesses. 

Again,that perspicuity may attend the communication of his thou^hts^ 



ADDRESS. 9 

and conviction accompany his conclusions, they furnished their pupils 
with polished rhetorick, and rigid logic. 

A more perfect s^^-stem of mental culturcj whose object it is to perj)etu- 
ate the blessings of liberty, could never be devised. 

Tliis, is the'outline of that scheme of instruction which has blessed 
the home of the Puritans to the present day. What venerable honors 
cluster around the names of Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Williamstown, 
Middlebury, Nassa-Hall, and Hamilton. Can aught that is calculated to 
sap our hberties, flourish within their atmosphere? What a sickly effort 
has papacy made there — though free to act as here. — Such, is the lite- 
rature v/e would establish. We need then offer no direct opposition to 
popery. Bishop Percell is right. It cannot live where the people are 
enliohtened. 

The protestant religion, alone is fitted to the genius of freedom. It 
grows best in the richest and most cultivated soil. But Popery flourish- 
es only, in the sand. Hence we see why it is, that the Pope makes his 
chief efforts in the west. He hopes here to find education neglected, 
and ignoraRce, which he declares to be " the mother of devotion," so far 
prevailing that he can charm with his splendor, and- affected charity; 
those who are thus unprotected, and ultimately, overthrow freedom oif 
opinion, freedomof action, freedom of religious worship, and exert liis 
dominion with unlimited sway. No part of our country more needs to 
be imbued with the spirit of '76, than that, skirting our western navaga- 
ble waters. Here, in the future heart of oui nation, the fountains of lib- 
erty musi be kept cleansed. This can not be, except by a mighty effort; 
a struggle in whic not only we^ but the Nation must be interested. — 
Pov^^erful, but secret, i)ehla like exertions are now being made to enfee- 
ble, imprison, and deprive of vision, our National champion. Freedom, 
throughout the entire navigable kngth of the Mississippi, the Missouri, 
and the Ohio rivers. This object has already been assiduously pursued 
for m.any years, and has been attended v/ith an amount of success, 
which vvouldhave branded the individual with/oZZy, who had ventured 
fifteen years ago, to have predicated it, upon any thing then existing. 
What is peculiarly surprising, is, that we, and the whole nation, feel so 
little alarm. But it is a principle of our nature, not to be terrified at dan- 
ger approaching at a distance. When the cholera made the circuit of 
the Globe, we heard of its ravages in India, unmoved. Not the least 
apprehension of danger was felt, until it reached the v/estern shore of 
the eastern continent. Nor did the panic seize on us, until hundreds 
were falling in our midst. Such was tlir character of the old world, as 



^ 



10 INAUGURAL 

well as the new. In mirthful g^yity they continued their course of im- 
penitent folly, despite the repeated warnings from Heaven, and were 
alarmed only when they were engulphed by the flood. Multitudes now 
live without making any eflEbrt to become reconciled to God. in the full be- 
lief of Christianity, and terror seizes them, not, until Death has asserted 
his claim, and not a moment is lelt except for despair. The reason for 
apprehension is immense, lest the people of America, shall rest in apa- 
thy, until papacy like a worm gnawing at our root, shall accomplish its 
deadly purpose, and we be first convinced thoroughly of our danger, by 
the withering of our branches. Our fears are the more exited now, be- 
cause the alarm has once, some years since, teen sounded, and the ene- 
my with unparalled adroitness betook themselves to ambuscade; and 
we seemed convinced, that either they were vanquished, or that the 
alarm had been false. The difficulty of making another alarm, that 
shall call forth the energies ol the lovers of liberty, until it is time for 
despair, is the ground of our fear. Our only hope, is in the exalted 
intelligence of our citizens. — And as we said before, our only hope 
of the perpetuity of our peculiar blessings, is in the exertion that is 
made for the extensive education of our sons and daughters. And this 
must be done here! True we are ^'vveak, but when shall we be stronger?" 
Will it be when public conscience in every hamlet, and every city, is 
mibjected to papal domination? No! Feeble as we are, we must make 
an effort, and thus convince our friends in older settlements, that we are 
convicted of the necessity of vigorous action. We cannot,, we dare not 
despise the day of small things. Nor could we abandon the effort to fur- 
nish our posterity with the means of intellectual culture, though we 
were made the object of redicule. We are aware that labor, patience, 
and self sacrifice, are requisite to the accomplishment of an underta- 
king so momentuous. But we are urged on by motives more weighty, 
than any thing that can be clustered into the short period of the present 
?ge. We wish America to be alvvavs happy and free. Our happiness, 
is not worth naming in comparison to this. Though we should spend 
our entire lives, and only make a commencement, upon a sure basis, 
thus bequeathing to our posterity, a proof of the veneration and love we 
have for the principl(3s of our ancestors, we may die with the consolation 
that we have not lived in vain. It is the design in establishing: a Uni- 
versity rather than a College, to meet the wants of the country, and 
furnish instruction to all, fitted, to their means, and the occupations 
they intend to follow. 

It is also our purpose to supply the demand, as cheaply and abun- 



ADDRESS. 11 

dantly, asthe nature of the case will admit. When Professors, Tutors, 
and Assistants are needed, they will be furnished; but no further. 
We rejoice to be able to say to this Board, and this assembly, that we 
'have been encouraged by some of the best scholars, and most prominent 
men in the States, to expect that if they were appointed to professorships, 
in this institution, they would accept, provided circumstances did not 
forbid; — and these of different denominations. We rejoice to state fur- 
ther, that when the strong hand of pecuniary embarrasment shall have 
been lifted a little from the country, we are encuraged to expect dona- 
tions from eastern friends, to aid us in the furtherance of this design. Let 
the Board then take fresh courage, and let the country hope. Let all 
receive kindly the invitation which we now give them, to patronise the 
Rock Island University. If properly sustained, it will be the glory of the 
land. Let us not think that nothing can be done a^ home. — 
Nor imagine that an infant, cannot become a man. , The great 
men ot the earth, have all been nurtured in the lap of infancy; and every 
proud institution, and mighty nation, has had a beginning. We fear 
not to present you to-day with. our first exhibition. Your good discre- 
tion will not allow you to despise, or ridicule, the laudable attempt of 
youth to entertain you with the proofs of the advantages they are de- 
riving from the cultivation of their minds. We trust you will go away 
satisfied with the performances, determined to put shoulder to the 
wheel, and urge forward an enterprise so magnanimous. 



^^ 



From the Upper Mississippian. 

The 25th of August, was a day of great interest 
to the people of Rock-Island. Agreeable to previous 
notice the first commenaement exercises of the Rock 
Island University were exhibited at the Court House. 
The room was filled to overflowing with an intelli- 
gent audience, capable of appreciating the merits of 
the performances. We are warranted in saying 
that they far surpassed in excellence the highest 
anticipations. Never, as far as we could judge, 
were an audience more delighted. All the berfor- 
mances, especially the original productions are high- 
ly credible, both to the pupils and the institution. — 
We say without hesitation, that the assembled mul- 
titude, were evidently disposed to conduct with de- 
corum. But yet, it was often difficult for them to re- 
frain from long and loud bursts of approbation. — 
Much commendation is due Chancellor Woodruff, 
for his persevering industry, amid the almost insur- 
mountable difficulties attendant in a new country 
like ours. We cannot but express the hope, if not 
the belief, that he may yet receive the reward due 
him for his self denial and toil. 



From the Upper Mississippian. of Oct. 14, 1S41. 
A LETTER FROM J. A. M. PELAMORGUES, 

PARISH PRIEST, OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, OF DAVENPORT, 

IOWA territory; 

To the Rev. Jonathan A. Woodruffs A. M. Chancel- 

lor of the RL U. 

AND THE 

REV. MR. WOODRUFF'S REPLY. 



00 



Rev. Sir: — I was informed last week that your inaugural address, 
delivered before the board of trustees of the Rock Island University, 
was a most illiberal attack on the Roman Catholic religion. I tried to 
find a copy 'of it and I succeeded in finding one. 1 did not believe, at 
first that it was necessary to notice it publicly. The falsehood of your 
assertions respecting the Catholic religion is so palpable, that it is to 
make too much honor to your address in refuting it. But, as there 
might be some persons inclined to believe your assertions true, because 
they come from the Chancellor of a University, a master of arts, and a 
Rev. too. I will in a few words notice two of your assertions which 
make all the subject of your address, and a pretty well chosen subject 
indeed, for such an occasion. 

You try to make people believe, first, that ^'Popery,'' as j'^ou charita- 
bly nick-name the Roman Catholic religion, is opposed to liberty and 
consequently opposed to the Government of the United States. This, 
Rev. sir, supposes either a great illiberality or a great ignorance. You 
are a Chancellor of a University, and an artium rnagister; you have, 
then, read something more than your Bible. Please, then, tell me who 
claimed first liberty of conscience? Was it Catholic Maryland, or Pu- 
ritan N. England? Who gave hospitality to the (Quakers, when they 
were persecuted because of their faith? When the oppression of the 
King of England (who, remember it well, was not a Catholic) became 
intolerable; were the Catholics the last to shed their blood for liberty? 
Even amongst those who signed the Constitution, have yon not re- 
marked the name of the illustrious Charles Carroll who alone put the 



14 

nameof his residence after his own name? That Charles Carroll of 
Carrollton, was a Catholic: the brother of the first Roman Catholic 
Archbishop in the U. States. 

Yon say, somewhere, in your address that you do not o^^'e any thing 
to the Kings ot the earth, Mr. Chancellor, this is a pretty good proof 
that you are well informed about the history of your country. Perhaps, 
you are the only man in the United States who does not know that 
theCathohc King of France, Louis XYI, sent a fleet to help your 
"sires." You owe, too, something to Cathohc soldiers. For what was 
the faith of the brave Lafayette, Kociusko, Pulasky, and of the other 
French and Polish soldiers, who stood side by side, and shoulder to 
shoulder, and whose blood touched the blood of your ^^sires" in the bat- 
tle strife? Were they Protestants? No, Mr. Chancellor; those were 
Protestants who shed the blood of your forefathers. And since this coun- 
try is free, what, in the history, to justify even a suspicion of our disloy- 
alty. Ret^A our books, frequent our institutions of learning and you 
will see that Catholic^ are taught to be faithful to their Government. 

Your second assertion against the Roman Catholic rehgion is, that 
Catholics are opposed to education. And you prove it by transgress- 
ing one of the ten commandments of the Decalogue. Y^uJknow that it 
is written, "thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour " 
When you say that papists are opposed to education; and, also, when 
you say that Bishop Percell of Cincinnati (remark that his name is 
Purcell) in his address to the Pope, said, '-that the Catholics must fail 
in their attempts to establish their religion if the system of extended and 
thorough educationshall continue in the U. States." Mr. Master of 
arts, it appearsthat you possess perfectly, the art of making people say 
what they never said. I invite you to enquii'e, from persons who have 
travelled in Catholic countries, if their religion is opposed to education, 
enquire also if, in this country, our institutions are less flourishing" than 
those of many other denominations. Even that "yonder house" in your 
^'immediate sight," is intended for a school house. I had last winter 
forty -five scholars, and many of them received a gratuitous education. 
I intend to have next winter a school altogether free, and we will see if 
your Chancellorship who is a great friend of a thorough and extended 
education will do as much. 

Your most obedient servant, 
Davenport, Oct. 9, 184L J. A, M. Pelamourgues. 

P. S. It is only 26 months since I understand some words of English, 
excuse then, my bad style. 



Rev. Mr, Woodruff's Reply. 

Mr.Crist:— Havingj agreeably to my request, been, through your 
pohteness, favored with the perusal of the letter of J. A. M. Peiamour- 
gues, Parish Priest of the Roman Catholic Church of Davenport, Iowa, 
relative to my Inaugural Address before it goes to press; I deem it not 
only my duty, but a pleasure, to present a few things to ihe public for 
their consideratioii. 

Let me premise, that there is^nothing in the address that was intended 
as invictive. J regret that one sentiment which was extempore at the 
commencemxent, was not inserted in the print, viz: That if Catholicity 
can prevail, where education is universal, and men are taught to put 
principles to the test by thinking for themselves, let it prevail. Such 
is our honest feeling, and we would not willingly detract in the least 
from the merits of the Catholic religion. Neither v/ould we justify 
the wrongs of Puritans. We with humility confess that the history 
of the Quaker persecution of New England, is disgraceful, and per- 
haps it can be accounted for only on that principle of human nature 
which leads men to conduct towards those who are within their power, 
as they have been treated by those who have held dominion over 
them. Far be it from me, not to acknowledge that there have been 
great and noble souls among tlie Catholic's. I revere and love a Xavier, 
I respect a Carroll, I honor a Lafayette. But the fact that they were 
found among the Catholic ranks proves nothing more the excellence 
of Catholic principles, than does the fact, that kna.ves are found among 
honest men, discredit the principles of honesty. We must judge of the 
tendency of principles, from the principles themselves; and I call upon 
the good sense of America to decide whether the sentiments that man 
is incompetent for the work of interpretation; and that "ignorance'' 
among the common people "is the Mother of devotion," are at all com- 
patible with the genius of American liberty? That many of the Cath- 
olics are highly educated is true. But are they taught liberty of con- 
science? and do they advocate the universal diffusion of the most liberal 
sentiments of the bible, with each man his own interpreter? We have 
the testimonny. of centuries to the contrary. What multitudes we have 
in our country that dare not read the bible, because their "Priest told 
them not." In my address I used not a word of invective, neither will 
I doit now. But I will mention the name of John Rogers, who was 
burnt at the stake in the presence of his wife and children, for openly 
preaching the word of hfe. I will mention Cranmer, and Latimer, I 



16 

will mention the Waldenses, to some of whom, some noble Catholic 
opened the arms of their protection, (being governed by the better princi 
pies of then' nature.) when hunted like wild beasts by the authority o 
the ^^Holy Mother!" I will mention the burning of the heretics! — th< 
horrors of the inquisition! And what reason have we to suppose tha 
the same scenes would not be repeated here if our consciences were 
subjugated to PontiiEical predominance? Certainly such a state of things 
could not be predicated upon the principles of Popery, much less upoE 
their past history. 

That the persecutions against the Quakers of New England would 
cease, when the relics of Papal intolerance had left their bosoms, mighi 
be predicated upon"" protestant principles. But I forbear. 

As it respects the debt of obligation due France, we acknowledge it 
But we ask whether it was the pecuhar affection he had for American 
freedom, that actuated Louis XVI. or was it his antipathy to Great 
Britain? 

As it lespects the charge alledged against me of misrepreseatation, 1 
leave the community to judge. When that sentiment from Percell. 
some -4 or five years ago, in almost the very words made use of, went 
[uncontradicted, through the length and breadth of the land, in the 
public prints. 

That Papists are opposed to education in toto, I never yet asserted 
There is a kind of education that they would spare no pains' in furn- 
ishing and i\i?!ii gratuitously J as the trans- Atlantic ^Leopold foundation, 
and "Penny society'^prove. But we do assert, that it is not an educa- 
tion consonant with the geniusof American freedom; and there lies 
concealed under the bait of charity a many barbed hook, and woe be 
to Protestant America if she allows herself to bite at it. 

J. A. Woodruff 

Rock-Island, Oct. 13j 1841. 



